Sunday, April 18, 2010

Bacon Ridge Natural Area: Forest Edge

In Crownsville, Maryland, there's a wilderness conservation area that is destined to become over 1,000 acres of parkland. Most of the park is still wild forest, and though it is usually closed to the public (until it officially becomes a park with proper trails, facilities, etc.), it is open a couple of times to anyone who enjoys hiking. Saturday was one of these "walks in the woods" and the weather was perfect. This is view is based on a photo taken at the edge of the forest looking towards an old meadow. It was a chaotic scene of spring greens, leaning trees, vines, and bushes - beautiful, but complex to paint. I hope the painting captures this jumble of life under the glow of a spring sun with a gentle breeze in the field beyond.

The organization that hosts these events and who has pushed for the conservation of this large tract of wilderness is the Scenic River Land Trust. They've done a good job, and I look forward to the day when this park is open to the public.

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Original paintings are available for sale; I use artist-grade paints on heavy-weight, acid-free smooth paper. The standard price for an unframed painting is $80 plus shipping. Please contact me by commenting on the painting in question. Or, if you know me in person, you'll have my contact info.

About The Artist

Matthew Hannum, landscape artist: My artwork generally focuses on the forgotten corners of nature where we can all easily find ourselves – a winding road through a local forest, or a cloudscape above rolling hills. When adding human elements, I tend to keep them simple and straightforward as a reminder that mankind’s works are only temporary, even in the local environment. Much of my work is heavily influenced by the landscape of the eastern United States, with occasional trips out to the mountains of the west – this ties into my belief of painting what you know since it will come across as more genuine.